mainstay meaning and definition

MAINSTAY noun

Definition of mainstay (noun)

1. a prominent supporter
   • "he is a pillar of the community"
   • synonyms: pillar
2. a central cohesive source of support and stability
   • "faith is his anchor"; "the keystone of campaign reform was the ban on soft money"; "he is the linchpin of this firm"
   • synonyms: anchor, backbone, keystone, linchpin, lynchpin
3. the forestay that braces the mainmast